NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH LADIES GOLFING ASSOCIATION
Bothwell Castle’s Pamela Pretswell, the Women’s British Open Strokeplay Champion, and Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Champion, aim to start the new season in style at the Helen Holm Scottish Open Strokeplay Championship at Troon from Friday to Sunday this coming weekend (April 22-24).
Pretswell is one of four backmarkers boasting a plus four handicap, and the 2010 Curtis Cup player is looking forward to the challenge.
“I have been busy at Glasgow University completing my Business and Management degree,” explained the 21-year-old, who hopes to graduate with honours this summer. “But I have also managed to spend some time in Portugal preparing for the season.”
“I’ve got a hectic golf schedule this summer and have made some slight changes to my swing and my putting over the winter so it will be good to test them out at the Helen Holm.”MacDonald had a terrific 2010 season. In addition to winning her first Scottish Amateur title, the 20-year-old also reached the final of the British Amateur, retained the Scottish Open Under-21 Scottish Open Strokeplay Championship and topped the 2010 Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association Order of Merit.
The Irish Maguire twins – Leona, who won the title in 2009, and Lisa – plus England’s Emma Brown are the other players with plus four handicaps in a field that has attracted entries from 11 countries.
Danielle McVeigh made it back-to-back wins for Ireland when she claimed the title last year, and she will be back to defend the crown. Louise Kenney (Pitreavie) was the best of the Scots in joint third place.
The 54-hole Championship takes place over three days. Following 18 holes over Troon Portland on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April, the top 66 players and ties will qualify for the final round over Royal Troon on Sunday 24th April.